NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- Give us just a glint of hope that China may be recovering and the markets will take up every stock that's even remotely related, Jim Cramer said on "Mad Money" Tuesday. He spoke on that country's softer-than-expected inflation numbers as well as a positive outlook from Alcoa ( AA).

Cramer said that for weeks now the markets have been unable to rally the machinery and materials stocks, as they depend on a strong China for growth. But thanks to some softer-than-expected inflation numbers, these stocks came roaring back to life on the hopes that China may have finally tamed its inflation beast. If that happens, said Cramer, then all will be forgiven in the market's eyes.

Then there's aluminum maker Alcoa, a company that provides one of the best outlooks on the global economy. Cramer said that Alcoa was also positive on China, saying the country is seeing strong demand for cars and trucks, as well as for commercial construction and aircraft. China also used three billion more aluminum cans.

The rally should extend to truck makers including Cummins ( CMI), said Cramer, as well as for oil stocks such as EOG Resources ( EOG) and casinos including Wynn Resorts ( WYNN).

Cramer said even the stalled tech rally may be helped by a renewed growth in China. Shares of Apple ( AAPL), another Action Alerts PLUS holding, can't go down forever, Cramer noted, and does appear to be at least trying to form a bottom.

Executive Decision: Alan Wilson

In the "Executive Decision" segment, Cramer sat down with Alan Wilson, chairman, president and CEO of spice maker McCormick ( MKC), a stock with a 1.9% yield that's delivered an 818% gain over the past 20 years, including reinvested dividends, twice that of the S&P 500.

Wilson said McCormick is the flavor behind many great food products and restaurants, and his company is constantly working toward keeping the category fresh with new products and new flavors. He said spices are a seasonal item, with consumers looking for holiday spices in the winter and grilling spices in the summer, making for a dynamic business that's always changing.

McCormick is also an international story, said Wilson, with his company investing in emerging markets around the world to build its business. He said nearly one-third of all new products are also a result a new technology with improvements in both flavors and efficiencies.

When asked about the company's product strategy, Wilson said McCormick offers a broad mix of items from private label to branded items to gourmet products for every type of customer.

Cramer said McCormick is a great growth story and he continues to recommend owning it.

Merck on the Mend

For the next installment of his Big Pharma series, Cramer highlighted Merck ( MRK), an Action Alerts PLUS holding that has lagged the industry and is up only 6% so far this year.

Cramer said that while Merck trades at just 12 times earnings, compared to an industry average of 14 times earnings, the company is actually in excellent shape with a broad pipeline of new drugs and a 3.8% yield. While many Big Pharma names have suffered the wrath of the "patent cliff," Merck now has the least exposure to generic competition.

Among the many positives in Merck's favor is the company's 2009 acquisition of Schering-Plough and its growing animal health business, which racked up $3.4 billion in sales last year. Merck also has a strong diabetes franchise as well as a vaccine business worth $5.8 billion in sales.

Merck's strong pipeline of new drugs is also a plus, said Cramer. The company should have no fewer than five drugs ready for approval this year alone. He said that while Merck may not have many home runs in its portfolio, it's a solid base hitter that can deliver over and over again.

Lightning Round

Off the Charts

In the "Off The Charts" segment, Cramer went head to head with colleague Bob Lang over the outlook for the online travel sector, pitting the technicals against the fundamentals to see which travel stocks make the grade.

Cramer said Priceline.com ( PCLN) remains the "best of breed" player, and Lang's research agreed. Lang noted that after a giant move since January, shares have been consolidating but still holding above their uptrend line. The MACD momentum indicator is signaling a powerful buy signal, meaning this stock is poised for another move higher.

Lang saw similar patterns in Expedia ( EXPE), noting this stock has a solid floor of support at $60. The MACD is also signaling a buy signal and the Williams oscillator confirms strength in Expedia as well.

Then there's Orbitz ( OWW), a stock that has tripled since its November lows on strong volume. The stock stalled in mid-March, but also seems poised to follow the group higher. Cramer said he's not a fan of Orbitz and would prefer Priceline or Expedia over this distant-third player.

Finally, Trip Advisor ( TRIP), the only company of the group that relies on advertising rather than booking fees. Cramer said while this stock has support at its 50-day moving average, he's not a fan given that advertising rates are on the decline.

No Huddle Offense

In his "No Huddle Offense" segment, Cramer opined on the continued collapse of J.C. Penney ( JCP). He said investors need to steer clear of Penney because the retailer could indeed go away entirely, and owning it is simply not worth the risk.

That's good news for Macy's ( M), said Cramer, as that chain will likely pick up most of Penney's business. He also likes Target ( TGT) and TJX Stores ( TJX), an Action Alerts PLUS name.

Cramer said Kohl's ( KSS) seems to have lost its way and will not be a big gainer of customers fleeing Penney.

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At the time of publication, Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS had a position in AAPL, MRK, TJX and VALE.

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